The University of California, Berkeley, finds itself under federal scrutiny after a campus event hosted by Turning Point USA drew significant protests, leading the Department of Justice to announce an investigation. The conservative organisation, founded by Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September, was the focus of demonstrations that raised questions about campus security and free speech protections.
DOJ signals inquiry
Harmeet Dhillon, chief of the Department of Justice’s civil rights division, signalled the inquiry on X, stating that the division would “investigate what happened here”. Dhillon, a conservative lawyer from California, described the protesters as members of Antifa, a designation used by previous administrations to identify broad groups engaged in anti-government demonstrations. She highlighted concerns over “campus and local security and Antifa’s ability to operate with impunity in California”.
Campus security measures and minor clashes
Anticipating opposition, Berkeley police established a cordon outside Zellerbach Hall, located in the university’s Sproul Plaza, late on Monday afternoon. However, logistical issues during ticket scanning led to congestion at the entrance, escalating tensions between attendees and protesters. According to Dan Mogulof, a spokesperson for the university, a single violent incident occurred on a sidewalk adjacent to campus property, resulting in two arrests by the city of Berkeley police. Two additional arrests for minor, nonviolent infractions were made by campus authorities.
Preservation of records and ongoing investigations
On Tuesday, the Department of Justice sent a formal letter to the university notifying it of the investigation and directing that all records relating to the protest, including communications among administrators and board members, as well as video and audio documentation, be preserved. Earlier in 2025, the department had opened an inquiry into the University of California system regarding allegations of insufficient protection for Jewish students against antisemitism, and concerns surrounding diversity hiring practices. The current investigation may either be incorporated into the existing probe or initiated as a separate inquiry.
UC Berkeley ’s response
The university issued a statement emphasising its commitment to free expression: “There is no place at UC Berkeley for attempts to use violence or intimidation to prevent lawful expression or chill free speech”. It added that it would cooperate with the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to “identify the outside agitators responsible for attempting to disrupt” the Turning Point USA event. “UC Berkeley will take all appropriate steps to safeguard the right of every member of our community to speak and assemble freely,” the statement continued.
Event proceeds amid protests
Despite the protests, the event proceeded without major disruption, Mr. Mogulof added. More than 900 individuals attended the event, with organisers including comedian Rob Schneider and Christian author Frank Turek. Demonstrators, numbering over 200, rallied outside the venue, chanting slogans such as “No Trump, No KKK, No Fascist USA” and “Trump must go now!”.Tensions briefly intensified when loud noises resembling gunfire were heard, prompting the crowd to scatter momentarily. Authorities later confirmed that the sounds were caused by fireworks. Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, posted a video on X of attendees inside the hall, noting that the event drew a full audience despite interference from protesters deploying tear gas, fireworks, and projectiles.
